Pink Denny's

9x12
Oil/masonite panel
Plein air

I remember when I first saw this building when I moved to San Diego in 1993.  It was an assault to the visual senses.  It screamed at me then and it screams at me still every time I pass by.  It's like someone dumped a giant bottle of Pepto Bismol over it. And of course it has a interesting and colorful history. The building is in the Art Deco style and is believed to have been constructed about 1941.  It was originally Top's Nightclub and Motel.  Not sure when the motel shut down but the building was bought by Tom Fat in 1977.  He spent 3 years bringing it back to its glory after the building spent many years boarded up.  It was painted pink at that time.  Denny's is still operating there.  Two other business that also occupied the building, Fat City Bar and Steakhouse and China camp are now closed.  A six story hotel, apartment and retail space is slated to be constructed in its place starting sometime in 2013.  A lot of people pushed to preserve the building and make it a historical landmark.  Not sure what is going to happen, but I heard the facade might remain intact and be a part of the new building.  I am glad I got a chance to document this San Diego icon before it's gone.

This painting, along with another painting of mine, will be in a group show called "Capture The Light".  All the paintings in the show will be plein air paintings.  It is sponsored by the La Jolla Art Association and the opening reception will be from 5pm to 7pm on Saturday, May 18th.  The location is 8100 Paseo del Ocaso, Suite B, La Jolla, CA 92037.  The show will run through June 16th.  Everyone is invited, hope to see you there.